Keep an eye on your neighbours over Christmas, welfare groups warn

Welfare agencies have implored West Australians to keep an eye out for neighbours and friends who might not be feeling much joy this Christmas.

Despite the State’s riches, more West Australians than ever were experiencing poverty, they said.

Anglicare WA boss Mark Glasson said the season would be a real struggle for many people, both financially and emotionally.

“Christmas is a really hard time for a lot of people, and it’s just been getting harder,” Mr Glasson said.

“So, keep an eye an eye out for your friends, neighbours and family.”

Government and welfare figures paint a bleak picture for tens of thousands of West Australians.

Figures supplied to The Sunday Times by the Financial Wellbeing Collective show that as of the end of last month the number of people reaching out for financial and housing help this year had increased on 2024.

Those seeking emergency relief and food totalled 34,919 for the entire 2024.

But as of the end of last month the number was 36,044 this year.

The number of people of Hardship Utility Grant Scheme recipients so far this year is 28,121, 1397 more than last year.

“2025 has been marked by a continuation of the housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures being felt by West Australians,” Mr Glasson said.

“We know the number of people in poverty continues to rise, and that is really a worrisome sign.

“This Christmas, more people will struggle to put gifts and food on the table than they did last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.

“During the richest of times in Western Australia, the number of people who are doing it tough has grown and grown.”

Financial Wellbeing Collective general manager Helena Jakupovic said she expected to see continued growth in the number of people seeking emergency relief and utility hardship support in the new year.

“The fact that we’ve already exceeded last year’s totals suggests demand is not only high but accelerating,” she said.

“Our services will need additional resources to meet this growing need.”